Lawmakers at the house of Senate on Tuesday urged the Committee on Health to regulate the use of bleaching cream in the country after it gave order to investigate the procedures for certification on quality and safety of cosmetics and propose a way forward for accountability.
The upper chamber also directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rise up to its duty of regulating importation, formulation and sale of cosmetics within Nigeria.
The motion was sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central).
Senator Tinubu in her lead debate urged his colleagues to note the proliferation of small and medium enterprises and businesses “whose stock in trade is the formulation of beauty products ranging from lotions to Oils, scrubs and soaps, with many labelled handmade, natural and/or organic.”
She observed that that the use of natural plants for beauty and medicinal purposes is as old as humanity.
She added: “Aware that organic products in modern formulations have gained renewed popularity as a result of concerns about synthetic ingredients and chemicals, and Nigeria is no exception.
“Worried that these products often contain the words glowing, lightening, whitening, half-cast, etc, while indicating no list of ingredients to enlighten users as to its content.
“Also worried that contrary to best practices, these products often do not provide a best before date.
“Concerned that the market for cosmetics is huge, with women appearing to be the primary target.
“Reminded that the regulation of any sector, for the protection of its people is a duty of Government.”
Senators in their contributions supported the motion.